Fishing Reports

Central Florida Saltwater Fishing Report 12/28/18

December 28, 2018 By Michael Wilson / Ledger correspondent Gag Grouper — The gag grouper bite remains very good right now in the Tampa Bay area. Anglers have through December 31 to keep grouper for table fare. Strike Zone, 2, 4, 5, 7, Elsewhere 1: At Big Pier 60 in Clearwater, lots of silver trout and whiting have been caught this past week. Small blacktip and bonnethead sharks are still being caught. Sheepshead are down around the pilings, but the water has… Read More »

Central Florida Freshwater Fishing Report 12/28/18

December 28, 2018 By Michael Wilson / Ledger correspondent Speckled Perch — Speck fishing is excellent right now for Polk County area anglers. Recent cold fronts have triggered a good bite that will only get better as the fish prepare for the upcoming spawn. Strike Zone, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12, 13 Around Polk County 1. Around Lakeland, at Saddlecreek Park, lots of specks are being caught on small minnows. Some bluegill have also… Read More »

Central Florida Saltwater Fishing Report 8/17/18

August 17, 2018 By Michael Wilson / Ledger correspondent Spanish Mackerel — This week the Spanish mackerel bite turned on for Tampa Bay area anglers. Mackerel are along the beaches both near shore and offshore, and in the bay as far north as the Gandy Bridge. Strike Zone, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Elsewhere 1: At Big Pier 60 in Clearwater, Spanish mackerel are still good early in the morning. Some flounder showed up this week and the mangrove… Read More »

Central Florida Freshwater Fishing Report 8/16/18

August 16, 2018 By Michael Wilson / Ledger correspondent Bluegill — The bluegill bite remains very good for Polk County area anglers. Good reports and good stringers of fish are being reported from most areas this week. Strike Zone, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13 Around Polk County 1. Around Lakeland, at Saddle Creek lots of bluegill are being caught on red worms and crickets. Quite a few bass are being caught there as well with two fish… Read More »

Homosassa Fishing Report 8/14/18

Capt. William Toney/Homosassa Inshore Fishing Charters August 14, 2018 “With continued overcast days and periods of rain the inshore bite for trout and redfish has been good. This has kept the waters slightly cooler then your normal hot, dog days of August, so the trout are especially happy. Areas of thick rock grass that are near outside points or deep bays are the most productive. The incoming tide is good, but for the best trout action use a popping cork… Read More »

Free Advanced Concealed Carry Class at In-Gauge of Polk County in Winter Haven June 7

A firearms training club in Winter Haven is holding two advanced concealed carry classes for handguns in June. In-Gauge of Polk County is offering the five-hour classes, including range instruction, free to the public to promote handgun safety.

Space Coast Report: Early Morning Trout Bite Still Very Good in Indian River

The early morning trout bite on topwater lures is holding up very well in the Indian River on the Space Coast, although things are slowing down a little in general, reports Capt. Keith Mixon of Lakeland (captainkeithmixon@gmail.com).

Williams and Cornelius win benefit tournament for Brandy Szanyi on south chain; more than $10K raised

Jackson Williams and Chandler Cornelius produced a 25.71-pound limit of five bass on the south Winter Haven chain Saturday to win the fundraising bass tournament for the family of the late Brandy Szanyi.

Big Fish Bait & Tackle

6908 US Hwy 98 NLakeland, Florida 33809

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Big Fish Bait and Tackle in Lakeland, Florida is your one stop resource for all of your freshwater and saltwater fishing needs. We carry an extensive line of fishing rods, reels, tackle, as well as live and frozen baits. We also provides onsite rod and reel repair and line winding services. Our highly knowledgeable staff is here to help you catch the big one. Come and see how Big Fish Bait and Tackle can help you with all of your fishing needs!